Is A Chinook I Worth More Than A II?

[Razor]

Should I pay more for a I than a model II? Which would you rather own? I have a II, and would like to but a I to go with it.

 

[The Deacon]

Up to a month or two ago, the older Chinooks were going relatively cheap, compared to the new ones. You could almost always find one somewhere NIB for $80~$90. Recently the trend "seems" to have reversed, and they're fetching a premium. Seems to happen with just about all out-of-production Spyderco models or variants after a while. You might still find one at a good price with a bit of careful shopping. As with most things, whether they are "worth" a premium or not depends on how bad you want one for your collection, or if you are one of the rare few who find the Chinook II a bit too light for your tastes as a carry piece.

 

[Harry Callahan]

The regular production first gen Chinooks probably won't go into hyper collectability but there was a very short run of S30V first gens that made it out of Golden before the switchover to the Chinook II configuration. That batch may become worth a little something due to rarity. Very few of them exsist.

That said, I'd rather own the Chinook II (and I do) as it is screwed together instead of being assembled with rivets. That's fairly important as I tend to tinker. But hey, if you can get a deal on a first gen, go for it. Warts and all, it's head and shoulders above most other manufacturer's folders. Make a user out of it and see what cutting power is all about.

 

[3Guardsmen]

there was a very short run of S30V first gens that made it out of Golden before the switchover to the Chinook II configuration. That batch may become worth a little something due to rarity. Very few of them exsist.

Got one, and its a pure user (not at all concerned about its collector status/value). Its too good of a knife (and built like a tank) to let sit in a safe. I must say, I appreciate all 7.25 ounces of it. the Chinook II just felt too light for me.

Best wishes,
3Guardsmen

 

[JD Spydo]

Ok I must admit that the Chinook has not been one of my favorite up till now. But with the older Chinook I getting tough to get I am getting interested from a collector's standpoint. So there were some of the Chinook I models made with S30V blade steel ? Other than the Chinook II model being put together with screws rather than being riveted are there any other obvious features that stick out.

Oh! Yeah I heard one of you guys say that the Chinook II is considerably lighter than the Chinook I. Ok what's the scoop?

 

[3Guardsmen]

Ok I must admit that the Chinook has not been one of my favorite up till now. But with the older Chinook I getting tough to get I am getting interested from a collector's standpoint. So there were some of the Chinook I models made with S30V blade steel ? Other than the Chinook II model being put together with screws rather than being riveted are there any other obvious features that stick out.

Oh! Yeah I heard one of you guys say that the Chinook II is considerably lighter than the Chinook I. Ok what's the scoop?

Hey, JD!

I've got a Chinook I (w/S30V) and find that the balance just feels better than the "II". The Chinook I weighs 7.25 ounces, and the "II", 6.0 ounces. I can really feel the weight difference towards the blade of the knife. The blade of the "I" is more Bowie-esque than the "II", which is more Persian (Scimitar) styled. The "II" has skelotonized liners, whereas the "I" does not. I must admit that the 50/50 choil on the "II" seems better thought out and constructed (provides more protection for the index finger), but I don't use that feature anyway, with this knife, so it doesn't too much matter to me. Another big difference is that the "II" accomadates 4-way clip positioning, but I don't mind the fact that my "I" is tip-down, right-hand only. I hope this helps.

Cheers,
3Guardsmen

Edited to add: The handle of the "I" is a little wider than the "II", and the pivot pin appears bigger. Then again, the lock-bar pivot of the "II" looks bigger than the "I" (the "II" is identical to the Manix in this regard, as it, the lock-bar pivot, can be adjusted).

 

[JD Spydo]

Hey, JD!

I've got a Chinook I (w/S30V) and find that the balance just feels better than the "II". The Chinook I weighs 7.25 ounces, and the "II", 6.0 ounces. I can really feel the weight difference towards the blade of the knife. The blade of the "I" is more Bowie-esque than the "II", which is more Persian (Scimitar) styled. The "II" has skelotonized liners, whereas the "I" does not. I must admit that the 50/50 choil on the "II" seems better thought out and constructed (provides more protection for the index finger), but I don't use that feature anyway, with this knife, so it doesn't too much matter to me. Another big difference is that the "II" accomadates 4-way clip positioning, but I don't mind the fact that my "I" is tip-down, right-hand only. I hope this helps.

Cheers,
3Guardsmen

Edited to add: The handle of the "I" is a little wider than the "II", and the pivot pin appears bigger. Then again, the lock-bar pivot of the "II" looks bigger than the "I" (the "II" is identical to the Manix in this regard, as it, the lock-bar pivot, can be adjusted).

Yes that was a big help. Now you got my curiousity boiling . That's all I need is another Spyder on my "WAnT LIST" Also is it safe to assume that all 440V Chinooks are the I model?